The Giants have set a preliminary 12-week timetable for wideout Hakeem Nicks’ return following successful surgery on his right foot. Nicks broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot during drills on the Giants’ second day of mini-camp last week. He is expected to sit out all of training camp and in all likelihood will miss all preseason games. However, baring any setbacks, its certainly possible Nicks will be healed in time for the Giants’ regular season opener on September 5 against the Cowboys.

Nicks has been an integral part of the Giants offense, averaging 78 catches, 1,122 yards and nine touchdowns the past two seasons as Eli Manning’s primary receiver. Victor Cruz proved he is more than capable to be a number-1 type of receiver after his breakout performance in 2011, but there lies a considerable amount of skepticism that he’d be able to produce the same way without Nicks on the field to compliment him.

Following surgery, Nicks vowed to be back before the conclusion of training camp, which would be nothing short of miraculous considering the injury typically requires three months to fully heal. The Giants have dealt with this injury before in recent memory with cornerback Prince Amukamara last year.

Coincidentally, Amukamara also broke his foot during mini camp, but the then-rookie he needed 4-plus months to heal before he was healthy enough to debut. But even upon his return to action, Amukamara was still notably bothered by the injury, suggesting how tricky it can be. As a matter of fact, Amukamara admitted he didn’t feel 100 until the very end of the season.

And just in case you were wondering, the Giants are not considering a reunion with free-agent receiver Plaxico Burress, just as they weren’t at this time last year when the idea first came into existence.

About Edward Gutleber

Edward Gutleber Jr. "Eddie" Stats: Age: 22 Sex: Male Favorite Sports: Baseball, Football, Basketball Favorite New York Athletes: Too many to name. I'll go with: Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, Amar'e Stoudemire, Landry Fields, Carmelo Anthony, Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck & Hakeem Nicks Title: MLB, NFL, NBA, College & Fantasy Sports Writer/Contributor Other Hobbies: Music, Movies, Intramural Sports, Spending Time with Family & Friends Contact: egutleber @ sportsofnewyork.com Like most of my friends and peers I grew up a very happy and spoiled sports fan. Largely in part because I was a huge Yankees fan and the Bombers were amidst their late-1990's dynasty. But, unlike most of my peers and friends, my passion for sports has stuck with me and has only intensified. I never lost sight of my childhood obsession. Instead it has only developed further and has become an authentic passion. I have now graduated from college and have begun my pursuit of a career within the sports industry that will hopefully be filled with endless success and happiness.